The UK self sponsorship visa is a more straightforward and practical option than the Innovator Visa, allowing you to sponsor yourself through your own UK-registered company by obtaining professional legal advice. You are going to fully own a business, be able to have your own team (staff recruited by you), and also be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. The UK business visa is a great option for professionals and entrepreneurs looking for more ownership, long-term stability, and settling in the UK more quickly while running their own businesses.
The UK self-sponsorship visa, under the skilled worker visa route, is not a separate visa category by itself. You can self-sponsor by setting up and running a business in the UK without having to invest significant amounts of money or needing approval from another person or business as required under the Innovator Founder Visa. When your UK business is registered, you will become eligible to drop your application for a skilled worker visa, as well as an active sponsor license. You will simply get yourself a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) if the job role meets the Home Office requirements set for 'employment function.' For any person considering a UK business visa for Indians, or looking to apply for a UK business visa from India, this route is more flexible and less restrictive than the other options available.
Check out some rules that have recently changed rules about the UK self-sponsorship visa 2025 below:
These adjustments highlight the importance of professional compliance management and reflect a restriction of self-sponsorship options. Also, an expert immigration consultant for the UK will guide you further about the process.
Here are the UK business visa requirements for Indian citizens that you need to meet in order to get your visa:
First you have to establish a sole proprietorship or limited firm in the UK. After that you have to open a business bank account, do proper incorporation with the registered address of your business.
To get a sponsor license, you first have to finish HR and compliance requirements for the home office and then create a genuine vacancy position (RQF level 6+). Also, you have to show that you have the means to set up UK business to sponsor yourself both financially and legally.
The salary threshold should comply with the new "going-rate" regulations. Also, make sure that it is a genuine job role with a qualifying wage and keep in mind that investments no longer count.
You should at least have a B1 level of English proficiency which is lower than the Innovator Visa requirements. English proficiency is a must for this visa, so make sure you fulfill this requirement.
You need to showcase that your business is financially stable. For that you must have a good business plan or evidence of trading in a genuine UK economic activity. It is a must-fulfill condition as your business's financial position is one of the deciding factors in this visa approval.
Are you an entrepreneur, business owner, or professional in search of a UK business visa for Indian citizens? Then a Skilled Worker visa via own company is the best option as you can get this visa without incubation programs or sponsorships.
Attaining a UK self sponsorship visa is not easy. There are certain steps that you need to follow for its application process. However, it’s highly recommended that you have a professional like Welkin Migration by your side for the same.
Check out the step-by-step application process below:
The UK immigration system is being reformed to avoid the exploitation of business-based visa routes, and here's what a UK immigration consultant suggests:
In Mumbai and across India, we are trusted UK Immigration Consultants in Mumbai who guide Indian professionals towards acquiring UK residency through legal avenues.
We are your ally in securing an entirely compliant and future-proof UK business visa.
If you want a UK business visa, contact Welkin Migration right away for a fast and hassle‑free approval process. Our expert team ensures every step is handled with precision, from documentation to final submission. With our guidance, your chances of success increase significantly. So, don’t waste time, secure your future and schedule your consultation today.
A UK self‑sponsorship visa allows you to establish and run a business in the UK while sponsoring yourself under the Skilled Worker visa route, which is a fully legal pathway.
Yes, as long as your company has an up-to-date Sponsor Licence and offers a valid post that meets the criteria for skilled persons, you are allowed to sponsor yourself.
As personal investments are not subject to wage rates, you need actual income from the business in order to qualify.
In order to maintain your license, you have to comply with HR regulations, perform right-to-work checks, and file reports to the Home Office on a recurring basis.
If you are complying, you will qualify for ILR after 5 consecutive years through the skilled worker visa route.
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